In a significant development, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have opted to release the Indian National Cricket Team bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction. The IPL 2024 auction, categorized as a mini-auction, is slated for December 19 in Dubai, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) setting November 26 as the deadline for franchises to disclose their lists of retained and released players.

Each team will have a purse of INR 100 crore for the upcoming season, marking a INR 5 crore increase from the previous season’s purse of INR 95 crore.Shardul Thakur was recently part of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, featuring in three matches against Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Across these games, he delivered bowling performances of 1/31, 0/12, and 1/59.

However, despite being dropped from the playing XI, Thakur’s omission was not attributed to his performance. Instead, it was a strategic decision influenced by a change in team composition following all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s injury. Thakur remained part of the team’s plans, and his exclusion was a tactical adjustment.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Release Shardul Thakur

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have opted to release bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur ahead of the mini-auction, as reported by the Indian Express. Thakur, acquired through a trade with Delhi Capitals (DC) for INR 10.75 crore, faced underwhelming performances both with bat and ball, leading to the franchise’s decision to part ways with the player. Previously associated with MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from 2018 to 2021, Thakur played for Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in the subsequent two seasons.

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In the IPL 2023, Shardul Thakur contributed 113 runs in 11 matches with an average of 14.13 and a strike rate of 161.43. With the ball, he secured 7 wickets at an average of 31.43, an economy of 10.48, and a strike rate of 18.00.

Thakur’s overall IPL statistics include 86 matches, with 286 runs scored at an average of 11.92 and a strike rate of 140.20. As a bowler, he has claimed 89 wickets at an average of 28.76, an economy of 9.16, and a strike rate of 18.83. The decision to release Thakur marks a strategic move by KKR in preparation for the upcoming IPL auction.